5 Romantic Proposal Spots for Valentine’s Day: A Jacksonville Wedding Venue Guide

As a Jacksonville wedding venue owner, I’ve seen hundreds of love stories unfold right here on our family farm. Since my husband Glenn and I started hosting weddings in 2017, we’ve had the privilege of witnessing the journey from “Will you?” to “I do.” But before the white dress and the walk down the aisle, there’s that one heart-pounding moment: the proposal.

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and the air is thick with romance. If you’re ready to take the next step, finding the perfect place to ask that life-changing question is key. Jacksonville, with its blend of natural beauty, historic charm, and coastal elegance, offers a stunning backdrop for a memorable proposal. Drawing from my experience in the wedding industry, I’ve curated a list of five of the most romantic spots in and around the city to help you plan the perfect moment.

1. Treaty Oak at Jessie Ball duPont Park

For a proposal rooted in history and natural splendor, look no further than the magnificent Treaty Oak. This massive Southern live oak is estimated to be over 250 years old and stands as a majestic centerpiece in a quiet park just south of downtown. Its sprawling branches create a breathtaking canopy, providing a sense of seclusion and timelessness.

Why it’s romantic: Proposing under the branches of this ancient tree feels symbolic. It represents strength, longevity, and deep roots—qualities Glenn and I cherish in our own marriage and wish for every couple who marries at our farm. The sheer scale and beauty of the tree create an awe-inspiring atmosphere that is both grand and intimate. During the day, sunlight filters through the leaves, casting a magical glow. In the evening, the park’s soft lighting adds to the enchanting ambiance.

Proposal tip: Pack a simple, elegant picnic with a bottle of champagne to celebrate after you get a “yes.” Plan your moment for a weekday or early morning to have the park mostly to yourselves. The vastness of the tree makes for stunning photos, so consider hiring a photographer to secretly capture the moment from a distance.

The Details:

• Location: 1123 Prudential Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32207
• Website: Treaty Oak Park Info
• Cost: Free admission
• Hours: Sunrise to sunset
• Parking: There is a small parking lot adjacent to the park and street parking nearby.

2. The Cummer Museum and Gardens

Art, history, and breathtaking gardens come together at The Cummer Museum of Art & Gardens. Situated on the banks of the St. Johns River, this location offers a sophisticated and picturesque setting for a proposal. While the museum itself is beautiful, the true romance lies within its three distinct gardens: the English Garden, the Italian Garden, and the Olmsted Garden.

Why it’s romantic: The Italian Garden, with its grand fountains, sculptures, and symmetrical design, provides a classic, European-inspired backdrop. Imagine getting down on one knee with the gentle sound of water and the St. Johns River behind you. The English Garden offers a more intimate, whimsical feel with its winding paths and wisteria-covered arbors. It reminds me of the lush greenery we maintain here at All4One Farms—nature just has a way of elevating these special moments.

Proposal tip: Visit the museum on a Tuesday or Friday evening when they often have later hours. You can enjoy a drink as you stroll through the gardens at sunset, making the moment feel spontaneous yet perfectly planned.

The Details:

• Location: 829 Riverside Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32204
• Website: cummermuseum.org
• Cost: Adults $20; Seniors/Military $15; Students $10; Children under 5 Free. (Check website for free admission days).
• Hours: Tue & Fri 11am-9pm; Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun 11am-4pm; Closed Mondays.
• Parking: Free parking is available in the lot directly across the street from the museum entrance.

3. A Stroll on Jacksonville Beach Pier at Sunrise

There is something inherently romantic about the ocean. For a classic beach proposal with a dramatic flair, the Jacksonville Beach Pier is an unbeatable choice. Stretching nearly a quarter of a mile into the Atlantic Ocean, the pier offers panoramic views and the soothing soundtrack of waves.

Why it’s romantic: A sunrise proposal here is simply magical. As the sky transforms with vibrant shades of pink, orange, and purple, you’ll have a breathtaking and unforgettable backdrop. The feeling of being suspended over the water, with the vast ocean before you, adds a sense of adventure and infinite possibility to your special moment. It’s a fresh, beautiful start to the day and your new life together.

Proposal tip: Arrive about 30 minutes before the scheduled sunrise to find the perfect spot along the pier. The early hour almost guarantees you’ll have a private, serene setting. Afterward, celebrate with a romantic breakfast at one of the many charming cafes in Jacksonville Beach.

The Details:

• Location: 503 N 1st St, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
• Website: Jacksonville Beach Pier Info
• Cost: $2 for pedestrians to walk the pier; $5 for fishing.
• Hours: 7 AM – 7 PM daily (Hours may vary by season).
• Parking: Paid parking lots and street parking are available near the pier entrance.

4. The Historic Streets of St. Augustine

Just a short drive south of Jacksonville lies the nation’s oldest city, St. Augustine. Its cobblestone streets, Spanish colonial architecture, and centuries of history create an atmosphere of timeless romance that is hard to find anywhere else. Every corner of this city feels like it was pulled from a storybook.

Why it’s romantic: The sheer number of beautiful spots is astounding. You could propose in the charming courtyard of the Lightner Museum, on the iconic Bridge of Lions at twilight, or along a quiet, narrow street like Aviles Street. The city’s old-world charm provides a uniquely intimate and historic setting. We often see couples who get engaged in St. Augustine choose our Jacksonville wedding venue for their reception because they want to continue that historic, Southern charm feel but with the space and privacy our farm offers.

Proposal tip: Consider booking a horse-drawn carriage ride for a tour of the city. You can arrange with the driver to stop at a predetermined scenic spot, like the sea wall overlooking the Matanzas Bay, for you to pop the question.

The Details:

• Location: Downtown St. Augustine (Various locations)
• Website: visitstaugustine.com
• Cost: Free to walk the streets; attractions and tours vary in price.
• Hours: City is open 24/7; businesses vary.
• Parking: The Historic Downtown Parking Facility (1 Cordova St) is the most convenient option ($15 per vehicle per entry).

5. The Serenity of Little Talbot Island State Park

For the couple who finds romance in untouched nature, Little Talbot Island State Park is a dream location. This barrier island preserves five miles of pristine, undeveloped beaches, maritime forests, and salt marshes. The beach here is famous for its collection of weathered driftwood, which creates a surreal and sculptural landscape.

Why it’s romantic: Unlike crowded city beaches, Little Talbot Island offers a sense of peace and isolation. Proposing among the “boneyard beach” of sun-bleached driftwood at low tide is a uniquely beautiful experience. The dramatic shapes of the trees against the ocean backdrop are stunningly photogenic. It’s a quiet, reflective place to make a lifelong commitment, surrounded only by the sounds of nature.

Proposal tip: Check the tide charts before you go. The driftwood beach is most accessible and impressive during low tide. Pack a backpack with water, a blanket, and your celebratory toast. A sunset proposal here can be particularly beautiful, as the fading light casts long shadows from the driftwood.

The Details:

• Location: 12157 Heckscher Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32226
• Website: Little Talbot Island State Park
• Cost: $5 per vehicle.
• Hours: 8 AM until sundown, 365 days a year.
• Parking: Ample parking available at the beach access points.

Planning Your Next Steps

Once you’ve secured that enthusiastic “Yes!”, the whirlwind of planning begins. If you are envisioning a celebration that combines Southern hospitality, natural beauty, and the freedom to create a day that is uniquely yours, we would love to welcome you to All4One Farms.

We are an “a la carte” venue, meaning we provide the beautiful foundation—including our open-air barn, antique oak pews, bridal suite, and 12-hour venue access—and you choose the vendors that reflect your style and budget. Whether you want a grand reception or an intimate gathering, our family is here to serve yours.

We encourage you to come and see everything in person by scheduling a tour, using our price calculator to see pricing, or you can contact us for more information. Need some visual inspiration? See more inspiration pictures from real weddings on the farm.

Happy planning,

Diane

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